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Media tweets from the Beverly Hilton make it sound as if the lobby is being cleared so the coroner can bring out the remains of Whitney Houston. While her body lay upstairs, music business legend Clive Davis and his guests held their annual pre-Grammy party — somewhat muted, it sounds like, and with some high-profile absences. Davis read a statement reprinted by the New York Times:
By now you have all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney’s passing. I don’t have to mask my emotion in front of a room full of so many dear friends. I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years.Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight even though she wasn’t scheduled to perform. She loved music and she loved this night that celebrates music.
My heart goes out to her daughter Bobbi Christina, to her mother Cissy, to all of her relatives and to so many of you here tonight, her extended family who loved and cherished her and her spirit.
Whitney was a beautiful person and a talent beyond compare. She graced this stage with her regal presence and gave so many memorable performances here over the years. Simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on.
I ask that you join me in a moment of silence as we dedicate this evening to Whitney.
Performers during the party included Tony Bennett, Ray Davies, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, Diana Krall, Miranda Lambert, Pitbull and Ne-Yo, according to the NYT.
Crowds are reported to be gathering outside the hotel. The Beverly Hills police have called for backup, per media tweets.